Problem with a Honda two piece rim

[LonesomeTriZ]

I have one tire that is not holding air. After checking it I found out the air was leaking from the O-ring. Or at least where the rims come together. I tried to separate both pieces from the tire but was unsuccessful. I was able to get one piece broken from the bead but the other was not coming off. Some one used tire slime to “fix” the leak and it just nastied up everything inside. The surfaces where the two pieces meet was rusty and nasty. I cleaned the surfaces up real well and down to bare metal. I painted the surfaces to prevent more rust. The O-ring was intact and I did not feel any weakened areas. It was covered it nasty slime and rust but I was able to clean it. I re-installed everything and found a small air leak (unlike the big one from before). I figured I did not tighten the bolts down enough so as I started to apply torque all the air blew out. I though I destroyed the O-ring. I unbolted the rims and pulled the O-ring out. It appeared to be in great shape and a complete circle like it was when I installed it. So, what am I doing what and what could be the problem?

[3wheelrider]

The O-ring may have stretched & doesnt fit like it should. Try new ones but if the area is rusty its not going to work. I've made some new seals with rubberized gasket paper & cut out a (flat) ring for each rim to seal the WHOLE mating surface/s of the rim. Its thicker than normal gasket paper too. Trace the rim half ,cut the bolt holes out-(hollow hole punch needed). Any excess paper/gasket showing by the outside can be trimmed with a razor blade (all the way to the rim). Then it wont be visible. Should work better than the O-ring -if done right/neatly.

[LonesomeTriZ]

That sounds like a great idea. Iwill dig through my gasket material and see what I can find.

[philgipson]

ultrablack sealant works good.just put a bead on the o ring and the grove.

[LonesomeTriZ]

Really, I never would have that would work with air. If I do nto have any suitable gaskey material I will try that.

[rdlsz24]

Check out this thread, it has an example of what 3wheelrider is describing

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/111616-DO-NOT-USE-ON-A-HONDA-TWO-PIECE-RIM!-(why-not-)

Rob

[LonesomeTriZ]

I think I may know where I can get a rather large but old inner tube.

[kb0nly]

Chop up an old innertube and make a rubber gasket, thats how i have fixed this problem before!

Yet again another prime example of why tire slime sucks!!! Until you see it yourself some won't believe the damage it can do.

[LonesomeTriZ]

I agree, the trail pros were bad enough. Then, this asshat shot slime in them.

[MTS]

use a bit of grease on the o ring if its still in good shape it should seal,,i use a bit of canola oil on the beads to get the rim to get the rim halfs in evenly, and slowly tighten the two halves toghther in steps..or the o ring will squish oyt of the grove,,,might take a few trys.

[LonesomeTriZ]

If it was not so damn hard to break the beads, I would not mind trying it more than once.